ADA Applauds Final Announcement on Optimal Fluoride Level in Drinking Water

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) yesterday announced that the optimal fluoride level in community water systems is 0.7 parts per million.
The ADA supports the recommendation, which was released for comment four years ago. The new recommendation will help ensure an effective level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, while minimizing the risk of cosmetic fluorosis.
Making optimally fluoridated water more available to Americans on public water systems is one of eight initiatives comprising Action for Dental Health, which is the ADA’s nationwide, community-based movement to improve access to dental car, especially for people who lack adequate access to preventive and restorative care. The ADA’s goal is that 80 percent of the U.S. population on public water systems will receive the cavity-prevention benefits of fluoridated water by 2020.